While you’re waiting for me to post new music, I wanted to do something a little different with this post and talk about the history of the twelve-inch single.
For music collectors and DJs, the twelve-inch single is more than just a format—it’s a piece of history. Emerging in the mid-1970s and reaching its peak in the 1980s and 1990s, the twelve-inch single changed the way we experienced music. With extended remixes, deeper bass, and dynamic sound quality, it became the preferred format for dance, disco, and electronic music fans.
The Birth of the Twelve-Inch Single
The twelve-inch single was born out of necessity. In the early 1970s, DJs in New York’s burgeoning disco scene were looking for ways to keep the dancefloor energized. Standard seven-inch singles didn’t provide the sonic depth or length needed for club play, while albums often didn’t focus on the beats and rhythms DJs required. Enter Tom Moulton, the man often credited with pioneering the format. Moulton, a remix legend, experimented with longer edits of songs and found that pressing them onto twelve-inch vinyl allowed for louder cuts, better bass response, and longer grooves.
The first commercially released twelve-inch single was “Ten Percent” by Double Exposure in 1976, released by Salsoul Records. It set the standard for what would become a defining format of dance music.
Technical Advantages of the Twelve-Inch
- Wider Grooves: Less distortion and louder playback.
- Higher Fidelity: More detail in sound and reduced surface noise.
- Extended Playtime: Typically pressed at 45 RPM for better quality.
- Deeper Bass Response: Essential for club sound systems.
The Twelve-Inch Boom of the 1980s
While disco may have ignited the format, the twelve-inch single found its true golden era in the 1980s. Record labels saw its potential for promoting artists, allowing for remixes, alternate versions, and even exclusive tracks that never appeared on albums. It became a staple for artists across genres, from pop to rock to new wave.
Producers and remixers such as Arthur Baker, Shep Pettibone, Jellybean Benitez, François Kevorkian, and Trevor Horn elevated the twelve-inch remix to an art form. Some of the most iconic twelve-inch singles of the decade include:
- New Order – “Blue Monday” (1983): One of the best-selling twelve-inch singles of all time, this track featured an extended arrangement that defined electronic music.
- Madonna – “Into the Groove” (1985): The twelve-inch version showcased an extended mix that took the song beyond its radio-friendly format.
- Depeche Mode – “Strangelove” (1987): A perfect example of how a twelve-inch remix could transform a song into a club anthem.
- Duran Duran – “The Reflex” (1984, Nile Rodgers Remix): This extended version became more famous than the original album cut.
The Remix Culture
The twelve-inch single wasn’t just about longer versions—it became the foundation of remix culture. DJs and producers had the freedom to experiment with alternate arrangements, dub mixes, acapella versions, and instrumental cuts. Extended intros and breakdowns gave club DJs more flexibility in their sets, while the additional space allowed for creative reworkings of songs.
In many cases, the twelve-inch version became the definitive version of a track. Songs like Pet Shop Boys’ “West End Girls”, Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s “Relax”, and Grace Jones’ “Slave to the Rhythm” all benefited from the format, cementing their legendary status in clubs and on dance charts.
The Decline and Resurgence
By the mid-1990s, the rise of CDs and digital music led to a decline in twelve-inch singles. The format was no longer essential for DJ culture as digital turntables and later streaming services took over. However, in the last decade, vinyl’s resurgence has brought renewed interest in the twelve-inch single.
Today, reissues of classic twelve-inch singles, Record Store Day exclusives, and new pressings from electronic and dance artists keep the format alive. For collectors, DJs, and vinyl enthusiasts, the twelve-inch single remains an essential part of music history—a testament to the power of sound, remix culture, and the magic of the extended mix.
Do You Have a Favorite Twelve-Inch?
If you’re a fan of twelve-inch singles, which are your favorites? Are there any hidden gems that deserve more recognition? Let me know in the comments—because the twelve-inch format never truly went away.
Written by -DjPaulT (2/2025)
Hello Paul, I have many favourites because I have a great vinyl collection in my private discoteque. But you know that its almost impossible to have everything. I wonder if you have the song ” Have You Got The Time (Extended Vocal ) by The Funkmasters 1984, never sold as CD. Its one of my favourites. Also Surprise Surprise (Extended Vocal) by Central Line. Let me know !!!. Good work what you,re doing !!!.
Mix 1 of Willesden Dodgers – Gunsmoke breakout is quite an epic track… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sN-OEF2LLDE https://www.discogs.com/release/736046-The-Willesden-Dodgers-Gunsmoke-Breakout
Hello I am a loyal follower of you for some years, I love your musical content and I appreciate your efforts, I would love to ask if you can share the following tunes I would be very grateful that are: Poussez – never gonna say goodbye for example, because this and also this musical group is almost impossible to find and I would also like to thank’s God is Friday, a great album, thanks friends for your help.
Eight Seconds – Kiss You (When It’s Dangerous) (Extended Mix)
Regina – Baby Love (12″ Extended Remix) Sounds amazing!
Hello Paul, very happy to have you back and to know that you are feeling better. I am mainly looking for rather rare 12Inches such as “The Mo – Asia”, “Disc & That – Space Walk”, “Common Sense – Just Can’t Help Myself” “Sol – Disco Dick” “Skybirst – Weekend” “Becket – Disco Jam” or “R.B. Hudmon – Searching For Your Love”. I know that these are cutting-edge versions that come out of well-known productions. Thank you for the quality of your proposals and for the meticulous restoration work.
Hey Paul,
glad to hear that your recovery goes well.
One of my all-time-favourites is “Midnight man” by Flash and the pan which is (more or less) a full length version of the song.
“Higher love” from Steve Winwood is also worth a mention. You had the remix here on your site but there is another version quite similar to your version. It just lacks the dub- and echo-effects which I think is more listening-friendly. Both remixes are created by Tom Lord Alge who also remixed Winwoods “Roll with it”.
I’m so happy to hear that you’re recovering well and thank you for this writeup, I love it. Some of my favorite 12 Inch Singles are anything Freestyle, Bass, Pop or Dance related, especially in the 80s & 90s, particularly releases that you cannot obtain on CD or digitally or at this time. https://www.discogs.com/release/1063878-Nikki-If-You-Wanna This next one is one of my favorites because you can’t get any of these mixes on the CD, these mixes exist only on this vinyl pack with notable versions of Cover Girls – Because Of You and Lydia Lee Love – Don’t Take Your Love… Read more »
Hi Paul – all the best for your better being even better.
Black Uhuru/Sly & Robbie – What is Life.
When did Jamaican musicians get into the 12” format? I have a feeling that dub and reggae is part of the narrative.
Janet Jackson – Come Give Your Love To Me
Just went through my vinyl, I have one that has not been mentioned, THE GRATEFUL DEAD! Yes, a special promo 12″ single with a generally silly picture of them on the front, from their surprise commercially successful 1987 album, “In The Dark” – no special mixes, just album versions of “Hell In A Bucket” and West L.A. Fadeawy….
Since the early 80s, my preference has always been the 12″ single – I adore extended versions and remixes. I always appreciate Mariah Carey and David Morales remixes – complete with new arrangement and vocals, turning a slow summer jam into a dance anthem ie Dreamlover but nothing beats a remix by Shep Pettibone throughout the 80s, from Whitneys so emotional, Janets Pleasure principle and Madonnas Express yourself, just to mention a few
Who remembers “I’m Ready” by Kano? That rumbling bass line gets me going every time.
I DO!!! I really loved Kano a lot!! Tag Team sampled the song for their record, “Whomp There It Is.”
Jeff
Good to hear from ya, Jeff!
Oh yeah. How could I possibly forget Tag Team?
This has been a really great topic to honor Mr. Moulton, and to recall his remixes and share our favorites with Paul while he gets back ‘into the groove’.
Hello Paul
I hope you got through everything well.
Well, what isn’t there on 12″ singles, how about Shakatak – Mr. Manic & Sister Cool (Manic Cuts) from 1987 or Sandy Marton – Exotic And Erotic from 1986. My favorite is though Prisoner of Love (Extended Remix) by Miami Sound Machine from 1984. You could go on and on, there are so many good songs on 12″ singles to this day.
In that sense! Have a nice weekend and
greetings from Germany
Hi Paul, happy to see you back in passion. My three must haves, Propaganda – p:machinery (reactivate) (The echo of) frozen faces, Boytronic – Bryllyant (33 1/3 Plus 8 Remix) and Cybotron – the (Jose “Animal” Diaz Remix) of CLEAR or INDUSTRIAL LIES. Happy weekend!
good read! I’ve always wanted to learn the history of dub version remixes but there’s not that much info out there, at least to my knowledge. they’re my favorite parts of all the 12″ singles of the 80s, especially in the latin freestyle genre.
Welcome back, Paul! My favorites include New Order’s The Perfect Kiss, True Faith (the dub in particular), Bizarre Love Triangle and, of course, Blue Monday and it’s equally great b-side, The Beach. There are too many Pet Shop Boys favorites to list, so I’ll pick just one – So Hard. There are SO many more, but I’ll end with one I’d never heard of until you shared it here – Marsha Raven’s hilarious and witty I Like Plastic. Thanks for sharing it!
Hey Paul, it’s really great to see you back. Fun read. I think one of the most definitive 12″ singles is Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love/Where Did Our Love Go?” which was groundbreaking, even sound-wise ahead of it’s time. But the version contained there became THE VERSION of the song, which got played endlessly in the 80’s, even getting it’s own single edit. I know Blue Monday gets the hype, love it, cool song, but I wonder if that is more of a UK thing as Blue Monday was on Power Corruption & Lies in America and not just a single… Read more »
curious, which Madonna song are you referencing? thanks!
He’s referring to what was named the biggest hit of the ’80s (except in the US) and IMHO her greatest song, “Into The Groove” from the Desperately Seeking Susan movie. I hope you enjoy its fascinating backstory I wrote and the other comments under “jbird’s” post way down below.
I did! thanks!!
found an interesting site regarding this thread:
https://www.cdsyouwant.com/product-page/desperately-seeking-susan-1985-cd-special-edition-film-soundtrack
First of all, glad to hear from you. I hope your recovery is going well!
Second, I absolutely love the cover art you created again! I still think you should add one of you custom covers to all your rips.
Third of all, it’s impossible to pick a favorite amongst all the amazing 12″ records! At some point, I had over 3,000 of them before they were all stolen! But I loved each and every one of them … lol …
But the first 12″ I remember loving was Frankie Goes To Hollywood – RELAX! It just sounded so much more advanced than anything else out there! But my real passion for 12″ records started with Depeche Mode. I ended up collecting all versions of their 12″ remixes. They were all very innovative and distinctly different! My favorites are still Strangelove (Blind Mix) and (Pain Mix) and Never Let Me Down Again (Split Mix).
But the Relax (Sex mix) 16.24mn is the best of all Relax mixes… https://www.discogs.com/release/33482-Frankie-Goes-To-Hollywood-Relax
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHCWXHG3NY8
But in the 90s, I loved collecting WHITE LABEL records, especially: White Label Anthems #9 and Traxxs And Breaks Volume 1.I also loved all Rabbit In The Moon remixes, especially Sarah McLachlan – Possession (The ‘Rabbit In The Moon’ Mixes)…. but my all-time favorite EDM track will always be Wink – Higher State Of Consciousness (Tweekin Acid Funk). In the 90s, I really loved all Armand Van Helden remixes, because he changed the songs completely. I can’t pick a favorite AVH remix. There are too many of them, but I definitely played the heck out of his Tori Amos remix.
Oh yeah, and any ROCK REMIX 12″ single, from Billy Idol and INXS to KISS and Def Leppard. You have shared many of my favorite Rock 12″ records here. I always feel that a good 12″ Remix brings out the best in a rock song.
OMG Martika – I forgot all about that Wink track. It was a Wednesday alternative night hit at Village Station in Dallas when I was living there. I know ZTT released a million FGTH mixes of everything, but have you ever heard of or seen the “Revenge Mix” of “Two Tribes”? I heard it once on 91X in San Diego when it was new around 1985, and never heard it again after searching for the last 40 years. When Groove Radio 103.1 and Mars-FM 103.1 were still on the air, they played all the stuff you mentioned, especially Armand’s amazing… Read more »
oh man, so much good music you just mentioned. And all of it forgotten. There are thousands of 80s and 90s compilation with the same 100 songs. If it wasn’t for people like Paul, most of these amazing remix masterpieces would probably be lost forever!
regarding the Revenge remix of Frankie Goes To Hollywood – Two Tribes, I don’t think it exists. I’m pretty sure I have all the remixes of that song. So perhaps, the radio station provided the wrong name for the remix. Do you have any other information about it? For example, if it was 15 minutes long, I can tell you which remix it was, etc.
there is a version called “Carnage Remix” which sounds close to revenge.
Thanks Martika! I had the “Carnage remix” and this was a more straight-forward textbook dance mix. It was a radio-length song and that’s all I know even though it was 40 years ago. I should have noted the DJs name and perhaps contacted him had I known how long I’d search for this mix. It could have been a radio promo-only track as well. Who knows?
the only reason why I’m inquiring is because I thought I had ALL their remixes. So you got me intrigued. I have several 7″ remixes including the 7″ Carnage version. However, if it goes straight into the beat, then it could be “Two Tribes (Surrender)“
I should also mention New Order’s groundbreaking “Blue Monday”/”The Beach” was the first million-selling 12-inch single in history. The label lost money on it because original copies had a die-cut cover that cost more to manufacture than the disc sold for.
Welcome back Paul, and thank you for recognizing Mr. Tom Moulton, whose tag on a record label “A Tom Moulton Mix” became legendary in DJ circles, and a ‘must-have’ version. Probably his 2 biggest radio hits are The Andrea True Connection’s “More, More, More” and The Trammps’ “Disco Inferno”. He always kept the original feel and intention of a song, just extended the intro, outro, and added a break, often inserting other parts of the song creatively that made the mix more exciting. He never ruined a song with a remix where the song became unrecognizable like frequently started happening… Read more »
…and he’s uncredited for the first continuous mix in 1974 for the LP Never Can Say Goodbye by Gloria Gaynor, that featured the 19-minute mix of “Honey Bee”/”Never Can Say Goodbye”/”Reach Out, I’ll Be There” on side 1 that was Billboard’s first #1 dance hit on their very first disco chart as well as the top 10 international smash “Never Can Say Goodbye”. So many accolades, so little time…
One interesting song was a #16 Billboard hit in 1978, but not a dance cut is Robert Palmer’s “Every Kinda People” billed on the 45 label as “A Tom Moulton Mix”on Island.
It was remixed in 1992 for his CD comp Addictions and became a #8 AC hit. IMHO, it doesn’t hold a candle to Tom’s original.
Simple Minds – Upon the catwalk, Speed your love to me ;
First one I ever bought was the Who Substitute in 1976
Probably most played was Propaganda’s Dr Mabuse
Which version of “Substitute” did you buy? The UK version, or the rarer ATCO version from 1966 with “sanitized” lyrics for racist American tastes? That release has a very interesting story worth checking out for any Who fan.
Just the standard UK version, first time I had seen a 12″ single so had to buy it
“Substitute” was the only Who song released on Atco in the US. Somehow it stiffed, even though they revised the lyrics and edited almost a minute out of the song. I can’t believe it was ever on a 12”. That oughta sound amazing, assuming it was sourced from the mono master. May I assume your 12” is mono like the original 45?
Mono I assume, although it does not say
https://www.discogs.com/release/3176008-The-Who-Substitute
It’s impossible to choose just one. I think that “Ride Like The Wind” by Christopher Cross, remix by David Lee (Joey Negro), maintains the essence of everything mentioned in the note. It’s simply perfect.
I have so many. I have a particular love of 80s extended mixes so probably the extended mix of Big Country’s Fields Of Fire.
I had a huge collection that I gave away (to a DJ) because my partner at the time felt that vinyl records with their sleeves were an ‘interior design disaster’. ☹️ I’ve since managed to find most of the mixes in digital format even though it’s not the same time. I had many favourites, but from the dance music area I think one had to be Dr John’s ‘Jet-Set’. It had a fantastic groove.
PS. Glad you’re better.
My vinyl & CD collection is one reason I’m “single and lovin’ it” as most friends would designate my home as “an interior design disaster”. When you said “Dr. John”, I thought “Dr. John, the Night Tripper from “Gris Gris” and “Right Place, Wrong Time” fame? He did a dance record? Nah it must be someone else.” It’s funny to hear him with an ’80s Arthur Baker/Rocker’s Revenge/Freeez sound. Not sure how my radio station didn’t receive this in 1984 as we played other releases on Streetwise. I saw the good doctor perform a great show at the House Of… Read more »
Thanks for sharing. Yes, it was a bit of a ‘me or the vinyls’ situation, but I don’t regret the decision. I think that the good Dr’s singing voice goes well with anything with a groove.I remember hearing this one played for the first time at some former-underground-station-turned-club in Berlin.
Thanks Paul for sharing your passion for the 12” single! My favorites include Boys Don’t Cry “I Wanna Be A Cowboy” and Prince “You Got The Look”. I miss the ‘80s and early ‘90s when FM broadcasters would air 12” singles Om Friday nights. Good times!
Hope you are doing good Paul! For me to pick a favorite 12in single is difficult because they were played non-stop while I was in college. I do miss the music of the 80s!!!
Two that come quickly to mind are “Knock on Wood” Amy Stewart and “Dead Man’s Party” by Oingo Boingo. The latter being a Halloween special.
Hi DJ Paul & hope ur feelin’ better! I have 2 faves and probably the first 12″ singles I bought – in 1981 “Tainted Love/Where Did Our Love Go” with “Tainted Dub” on the b-side – my all time fave – and 2nd would be “Planet Rock” by Afrika Bambaata & The Soulsonic Force I bought in 1982. I love all your posts & thank you for bringing us those obscure tracks too. I’ll be sharing more 80’s music soon on my YouTube channel as you often inspire what I post.
hey Robby, when “Tainted Love” first came out on Sire US it was just a 12”. I knew this was an oddball low energy, high BPM cut that would be a challenge to work in. I could hear that it was an obvious hit, provided it could ever get pop airplay. I played the heck out of it for six months at parties, but at my Orange County club it didn’t really go over. After it finally became a radio hit, everyone wanted me to play it! As I was sick of it by this point, I created my own… Read more »
Wow! So I lived in OC in the 80s & went to DOK West and Rumor Hazzit in Garden Grove. I recall a DJ doing a similar mix…if u have that mix I’d love to hear it…my email is listed
Uh oh. You went to DOK and Rumor too? What was that other club at 9th & Placentia in Costa Mesa with the huge dance floor? I really liked DOK West because they weren’t afraid to play the new wave and DOR stuff that became popular on KROQ, and played less of the “generic disco diva” crap. Gotta hand it to the late Ted “Father Time” Hyer (sp?) who kept Rumor’s doors open at both Garden Groove locations for close to 20 years because he always owed vendors and DJs money. He still owes me, but I was honored to… Read more »
Hi – let’s stay in touch – my email is rdbroo@yahoo.com and YouTube Channel MYOKOM Mixez. I remember that club in Costa Mesa too but not the name – they kicked me out for the way I was dressed punk & had blue hair – 1986-ish – Hans Again was 1 of the clubs (a dump) – Wow! Yes I remember Ted because he was friends with my boyfriend (at the time) Paul (a big tall bear with a handlebar moustache – was 30 when we met and I was 18). That’s awesome how you worked the dance crowd –… Read more »
VITAMIN Z-Burning Flame (Extended Version) …..Steve Winwood – Freedom Overspill (Liberty mix)
a great forgoten band in the internet
Hi Paul! First of all I hope you are better and that the recovery is going well. I have many 12″ vinyls, in fact most of them are like this, since I was also a DJ in the late 80s and early 90s, and I acquired a lot of vinyls in that format, since many were of the EBM, New Beat, Techno, Synthpop style… coming from Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom and even from Canada and the USA. The truth is that they sound incredibly better than LPs, although sometimes it depends on the label. Deciding on one in particular… Read more »
Nice post, mate ! I could remember dozens right now – one that comes to mind is “Cities in Dust”, Siouxie & the Banshees. Like many of them, valuing and even surpassing the originals.
Ready to dance by Nacht und Nebel
Golden key by Syndicate
Hello all, first of all: GREAT to have you here again, Paul! Best wishes for your health. Your topic here touches my heart! Looking through the comments I find so many 12inches that I love too. I remember when I and my friend went to the record stores in Frankfurt almost every day. The best time of my life. My absolute toppers are – FGTH “Rage Hard” (Young Person’s guide to the 12Inch mix) => a guide for people who don’t know what a maxi version is 🙂 – Genesis “Tonight Tonight Tonight” (Extended) – Depeche Mode “Never… Read more »
Fantastic topic Paul.
Some of my 80’s & 90’s 12” favourites.
David Bowie – Loving The Alien (US 12”)
Level 42 – Lessons In Love (UK 12”)
George Michael – Monkey (US 12”)
Jane Child – Don’t Wanna Fall In Love (US 12”)
Whitney Houston – My Name Is Not Susan (UK 12”)
Great intermission, Paul. Good to hear your recovery is on track, so to speak …
Fave 12″ from the 80s include:
YES!!!
“Rage Hard” by FGTH (the young person’s guide to the 12Inch-Mix)
=> my absolute favourite!!! What a magnificent intro.
Buenos días desde España. Espero que tu recuperación vaya por el buen camino. He descubierto muchas joyas que me han sorprendido gratamente en tus publicaciones, temas que no había escuchado nunca o versiones maxi que buscaba hace tiempo. Pero esta última publicación a cerca del single de 12 pulgadas me ha encantado porque me apasiona la historia de la música pop, rock y disco. Enhorabuena. Hay un tema que escuché en un pub de Toledo a mediados de los 80, que desde hace mucho tiempo busco desesperadamente; era una mezcla de dos temas, uno de Queen y otro de Bowie,… Read more »
Great to have you back, Paul and glad you’re recovering well.
I love 12″ extended versions of songs which are either a different recording or with added elements to the original track or the original track is intended to be longer and the 7″ is therefore an edit.
Examples that come to mind are ‘Mountains’, ‘America’, ‘Let’s Go Crazy’ by Prince, ‘Planet Earth’, ‘Girls On Film’, ‘My Own Way’ by Duran Duran.
I also love the Visage and Soft Cell 12″s.
I want to start by saying that when I first discovered your blog years ago it was like finding my tribe. Many of us have digitized our own collections over the decades, ripping tracks as cleanly as possible to preserve our vinyl and carry it forward with us. The quality of tracks that you could find on various blogs to fill in gaps in your own collection was spotty at best, but we made do. And then you arrived on the scene and took that preservation to a whole new level. You took the time to painstakingly do things the… Read more »
I teared up reading your response, River! You put into words what many of us feel about Paul and what he does! Thank you 😊
Jeff
Wonderfully written, indeed!!!!
River, Wow, what a heartfelt message—thank you so much for taking the time to share this. Hearing that Burning the Ground has been a meaningful part of your music journey means the world to me. When I started this blog, it was always about preservation, but more importantly, about sharing the love of these incredible tracks with others who understand just how special they are. Knowing that my work has helped rekindle memories and fill gaps in collections makes all the effort completely worthwhile. Your words about my health and the future of BTG really hit home. I won’t lie—stepping… Read more »
You reflect our heartfelt sentiments for Paul. I discovered by accident both “Talk Talk” and “It’s My Life” have very different sounding 12” mixes between the EMI US and UK versions, RIP Mark Hollis.
Paul, best of luck with your recovery! Your excellent post compels me to mention my art project Undated Records: an imaginary indie label with imaginary 7″ and 12″ singles from imaginary bands. I hope you and your fans will enjoy whatever music you imagine!
Hi Paul!! First, so great to have you back!! I’m glad your recovery is going well. We’ve all been rooting for you. Fascinating article on the history of the twelve-inch single. At it’s peak, what a time… Given both the twelve-inch format and music videos were embraced by the aging rock stars, you knew it was the place to be. And clearly held a lot of value. The singles that stand out to me are Hall & Oates first & foremost. Their Big Bam Boom album was a milestone in its embrace of modern technology, so what better candidate for… Read more »
The first 12″ single I *wanted* to buy was Kiss’s “I was made for lovin’ you” in 1979. It was $5.99 in a drugstore (yes a drugstore that sold records) – my dad convinced me to buy Meat Loaf’s Bat Out of Hell instead because it had “more songs on it”.. although I always believed he wanted that album more than me. Years later, I would buy my first 12″ in a Woolco Department store as they had a bin of cutout 12″s for 5 cents each (!!), mostly from the Les Disques Direction Records label, of random artists like… Read more »
Ironically, KISS’ “Beth” and “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” are their biggest hits, yet only Peter Criss was present in the studio for his song “Beth” which was hated by the band and Casablanca’s Neil Bogart as that was his ex-wife’s name. It made it onto the album only because they were short a song to complete the LP. It was the flip of “Detroit Rock City” which became a hit because CKLW “The Big 8″s music director Rosalie Trombley’s daughter heard “Beth” and told her mom she liked it, and it got added to their playlist to incredible… Read more »
For me, the 12″ singles were more about getting more of the song you like, i.e. extended versions. I like extended versions by China Crisis, Haircut 100, Nick Heyward, Level 42….. I could go on. Not a fan of remixes where the remixer does weird stuff to the song. Like I said, for me, getting more (longer versions) of the songs I like is my attraction to the 12″. Somebody mentioned CFNY. I remember back in the 80’s when they would have an “All 12″ Saturday”. Thanks for posting so many 12 inchers!!
Thanks for the great information. I never knew the how and the why behind the 12″ single. I’m also glad you are starting to feel better.
Hey Paul, Thank you for a wonderful article. I read it hours earlier but really struggled to pick my favorite 12-inch records. I also want to praise the community here for their favorites because a lot of them were some of mine as well. I do have ultimate favorites though: “One More Shot” by C-Bank “I.O.U.” by Freeez “Girls, Girls (Ah-Ah Hi)” by Solo “Breaker’s Revenge” by Arthur Baker “Remember What You Like” by Jenny Burton “Stripped” by Depeche Mode “Give Me Your Love” by The Voice In Fashion “Lightning Strikes” by Cafe Society “Baby Gonna Shake” by Royalty “Body… Read more »
Great article Paul and hope your recovery is going well. I’m a massive 12” fan having grown up in the 80’s. my kids now think it’s weird having an extended mix to a song! In terms of my favourite 12” my first would be Wild Boys by Duran Duran. Actually anything Duran released up to Wild Boys and such a shame there was no commercial 12” extended mix of A View To A Kill (although a mix that was to be released was leaked recently). Second would be Two Tribes Annihilation Mix by Frankie. Again all of the Frankie 12”… Read more »
Thanks for the article Paul, glad you’re feeling well enough to post. I’d never really stopped to consider there being a time before 12”s, they were just always there from when I started buying records.
The big 12”s for me were all of Soft Cell’s singles – I think I learnt from BtG that they actually recorded the 12” version as the main song in most cases and then cut it down for the single. Bedsitter and Torch in particular are stand outs. xx
I’ve always preferred extended versions of singles and albums tracks over remixes because they retain all that I love about the original song but give me more of it, be it longer instrumentals and/or additional lyrics. My personal favourite 12″ versions are Dead or Alive – You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) (Murder Mix), Dead or Alive – Something in My House (Mortevicar Mix), Blancmange – Don’t Tell Me (Dance Remix), De’Lacy – That Look (Deep Dish Vocals Part 1 & 2), Living in a Box – Living in a Box (Dance Mix) and Freeez – I.O.U. The 80s… Read more »
Great article on the history of the 12″ single. It reminded me of two books I had the honour of designing the covers for. Author Rob Grillo takes the reader on a journey through his childhood growing up discovering the wonder of the 12″ Single. The first edition is called ‘Is That The 12″ Mix’. A couple of years later Rob decided te revisit the story and ad some extra chapters and he called it: Is That The 12″ Re-Mix? Just because he could. Through a cover design contest Rob issued, I had the honour of designing the original cover… Read more »
Thanks Jos for the tip about the Rob Grillo paperback (also available on Kindle). Good work you did on his cover art. I just added the book to my cart, thanks to your post. Here’s the US Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1530339480?ref_=ast_author_ofdp_rw For those fútbol soccer fans, Rob has written about 15 books on the sport as well. Love your website! You probably know DJ PaulT was involved in a couple of the Olivia reissues a few years ago. I purchased all of them and the sound is a-m-a-z-i-n-g. I’m gonna search for a (ahem) ‘physical’ Megamix of the Physical album cuts.… Read more »
Hey Xrey, cool you bought it. It is a fun and vert relatable read. Sure i know Paul his contributions to the Olivia re-issues. Vinny Vero (the re-issue producer) and i talked about making new extended versions – since that is “my thing” next to cover design. In the end it sis not happen. Because i think the stems have not been tracked down. And possibly because the label did not really had an interest. So i am happy our Physical Megamix did see the light of day in two lengths. I keep my fingers crossed for some new projects… Read more »
Great article Paul, Brings back memories. Glad to see this post, which means you are getting well. I was always fond of long versions during the disco era, and remember playing Donna summer’s Love to love you baby (16 minute album version) at 12 years old and my parents asking what the hell I was listening at. The first real 12″ I bought were David Naughton Makin’ it and Anita Ward Ring my Bell in 1979, as the record stores in my country did not really import 12″ singles at that time. I ended up buying albums for the long… Read more »